Jodie Green and I have been connected on social media for a few years, and we finally engaged in a discussion a few months back. We talked about our admiration for the work each of us is doing to assist doctors and all other health care practitioners, including [my initiatives](https://standupfordoctors.org/) and Jodie’s with her organization, [the Clinician Burnout Foundation](https://clinicianburnoutfoundation.org/). We are amplifying significant resources available for health care professionals. I have previously highlighted the incredible work of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation and would now like to spotlight the innovative support provided by Jodie’s organization. In fact, I have become an ambassador and partner with her organization. Jodie and I are committed to creating a positive impact, ensuring that those who care for us are aware that there is care and support available for them!
The U.S. health care system is essentially on life support. The same holds true for health care globally. (Not exactly groundbreaking news.) Despite tireless efforts by change agents and advocates, even the most effective solutions often fail to scale or are not even aim to reach everyone involved in providing care: those practicing medicine (health care heroes) and the millions laboring behind the scenes (unsung heroes). This isn’t a critique but a reflection of our current situation.
**Even the most effective solutions rest on fragile ground.**
Why do so many well-meaning solutions (wellness programs, resource guides, and tech “fixes”) predominantly fail to impact the depth and range needed to create sustainable change? Even AI, designed to alleviate burden, can introduce cost and complexity to integrate and train exhausted clinicians and others already at their limit. These strategies demand more from individuals whose reserves (emotional, mental, and physical) are already depleted. (No technology can substitute for an exhausted human workforce.)
**An innovative foundational solution**
Initially, I identified what I refer to as “The Quicksand Effect,” which undermines strategic solutions. This occurs because offers of assistance to those entrenched in exhaustion and despair can seem unattainable, potentially heightening feelings of inadequacy and isolation. The Clinician Burnout Foundation is literally laying the groundwork for every other reform or innovation to securely stand upon to support its success.
**System repair with immediate assistance**
Prioritizing care for those who care for us is the only viable path forward. To this extent, our organization functions under a singular philosophy: elevate the bottom to foster hope, healing, and wellbeing among clinicians. Replenish reserves, restore perspective, reawaken sense of self and purpose, regain control and autonomy, and revive capacity. What sets our execution in reaching these acknowledged goals apart?
**Alleviating burdens in and out of the workplace, any workplace**
Rather than adding to already busy schedules, we confront crippling mental, emotional, physical, and financial burnout by literally providing essential services, tech, and tools to those in need right now (nearly everyone) and at risk (everyone). Clinicians, non-clinician care staff, and all other workforce members can simply select a solution offered by our organization, and they receive it. Effortless. Swift. Free and/or low-cost. (All costs are covered through funds raised).
– Feeling bleary-eyed after a tough shift? Don’t drive. Use an Uber, on us.
– Need your home cleaned? Childcare? Dinner ready? Schedule it!
– Access transformative health tech that can significantly reduce your data entry time in the EHR, allowing you to focus on your patients and enjoy life outside work? Order it.
– Seeking cultural change? An end to moral injury? Workplace safety? Join our expanding alliance.
**Recognizes, hears, and supports individuals at every level and role**
Every individual within the health care system chain deserves attention. Weak links falter from neglect. That’s why, from Day 1, we committed to supporting the whole health care workforce: those practicing medicine and the many non-clinicians who fundamentally enable their work. After all, a surgeon isn’t going to clean the OR.
**Importance matters: moral injury may matter most**
Feeling acknowledged is crucial to satisfying our fundamental need to matter, a prerequisite for motivation and wellbeing. Among those who are called to serve others, this need is amplified. Yet, in medicine, the culture causes moral injury instead of honoring the commitment, character, and courage of those dedicated to providing care that benefits everyone (including those who sustain a toxic culture).
**What’s at stake**
Political and corporate interests, greed, and neglect have brought health care to a precarious edge.
– A 2024 survey conducted by the AMA found that [95 percent of physicians](https